Florida is one of the most hazardous states for drivers. Getting into an accident as a motorist, biker, pedestrian, or bicyclist is not unexpected, given the sheer number of collisions that occur each year.
Tampa car accident statistics show that in 2019 alone, there were 400,863 collisions in Florida, resulting in 3,225 fatalities and more than 250,370 injuries.
Knowing the typical reasons for Florida vehicle accidents can help you avoid collisions. Here are the top five reasons for traffic crashes in Florida.
Reckless Driving
Speeding
Speeding is one of the major factors in car accidents. Over 500,000 speeding accidents were reported in Florida in 2020. Slow down and adhere to the posted speed limit to avoid getting into an accident.
Failing to Obey Traffic Lights and Signage
Everyone has been in a situation where they are driving and see a stop sign, but they don’t want to stop. So they instead slow down or zoom past the intersection. Disregarding traffic signs and signals is another major contributing factor to car accidents in Florida.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is where your attention isn’t on the road when driving. There are several types of distractions. Visual distractions divert your eyes from the road. Cognitive diversion happens when your thoughts aren’t on the road.
The majority of these diversions consist of:
- Talking on the phone or sending texts
- Drinking or eating
- Talking to the car’s occupants
- Altering the music
- Anything that keeps you from focusing entirely on driving while you are behind the wheel.
Drunk Driving
Another significant factor in Florida vehicle accidents — contributing to roughly 30% of all traffic fatalities — is drunk driving. Driving while intoxicated reduces your judgment and limits your capacity to respond to changing circumstances.
As a result, driving while intoxicated increases the risk of an accident. Adolescents, teenagers, and young adults are more likely to drive drunk, and this tendency is more pronounced on weekends and major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Poor Road Conditions
Not all car accidents in Florida result from driver error or carelessness. Poor road conditions can contribute to some accidents. When this occurs, people hurt may hold the responsible road crew or government body accountable for failing to:
- Place guardrails
- Plow or salt, snowy or wet roads
- Reinstall any missing signs
- Properly constructed roadways
- Patch up potholes.
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer to establish liability is crucial because holding these organizations accountable for their wrongdoing is not always simple.
Bad Weather
Unfavorable weather is another frequent reason for car accidents in Florida. A driver might not have anticipated how a vehicle would respond to changes in the weather. Strong winds, for instance, can make drivers lose control of their cars and crash.
Other weather-related factors contributing to accidents on Florida highways include:
- Slick roads
- Heavy rain, and
- Floods.
Tips for When You Get Into a Car Accident
An automobile accident can physically, emotionally, and financially impact your life. When this occurs, a car accident attorney can assist you in filing a claim and obtaining fair compensation. More importantly, if you are in a car crash, remember to stay calm and dial 911 for help.
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